One-of-a-kind omakase destination Ichi and lifestyle retailer Black Tie Beach will help shape the curated, community-driven experience at The Canopy.

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA. — [May 21, 2026], Today, Franklin Group announced the first retail tenants at The Canopy, its premier mixed-use luxury apartment community in Virginia Beach’s Hilltop district. Joining the development are Ichi, an acclaimed omakase dining concept, and Black Tie Beach, a refined coastal lifestyle and home décor retailer — two distinctive additions selected to complement the elevated living experience at the heart of The Canopy.

Designed as more than a traditional apartment community, The Canopy blends 132 luxury residences and penthouses with thoughtfully curated retail, resort-style amenities, and walkable gathering spaces to create a connected coastal lifestyle just minutes from the Virginia Beach Oceanfront.

For Franklin Group, the retail experience was always envisioned as an extension of the community itself. It was designed to create opportunities for residents and visitors alike to gather, connect, and enjoy experiences that reflect the character and quality of life at The Canopy.

“From the beginning, our vision for The Canopy was to create a community that feels intentional in every detail,” said Taylor Franklin, CEO at Franklin Group. “We weren’t simply looking to fill retail space. We wanted partners who share our approach to hospitality, quality, and everyday living. Ichi and Black Tie Beach each bring something unique to the community and help shape the experience at The Canopy.”

Ichi will debut a new omakase dining concept at The Canopy, centered on seasonality, craftsmanship, and Japanese culinary tradition. The addition of the restaurant brings a hospitality-driven element to The Canopy’s ground-floor retail environment while contributing to the continued evolution of the Hilltop neighborhood’s dining scene.

Black Tie Beach will open its second location at The Canopy, bringing with it a carefully curated collection of coastal-inspired home décor, gifts, and lifestyle products. Known for its sophisticated yet approachable aesthetic, the retailer’s expansion reflects its continued evolution and the appeal of The Canopy as a new focal point for elevated coastal living in Virginia Beach.

Rather than approaching retail as a standalone commercial component, Franklin Group has positioned The Canopy’s street-level spaces as an integral part of the resident experience, supporting a lifestyle centered around convenience, connection, and quality.

“The Canopy immediately stood out because of the intentionality behind the project,” said Lara Foster, Black Tie Beach Owner. “There’s a genuine focus on creating community and delivering a high-quality experience, and we’re excited to be part of that vision.”

Both tenants are currently completing interior buildouts, with openings anticipated in Fall 2026. Additional retail announcements are expected in the coming months as Franklin Group continues to curate a complementary mix of dining, retail, and lifestyle concepts for the development.

To learn more about The Canopy including residential leasing information visit https://canopyvabeach.com/.

About Franklin Group

Franklin Group is a Virginia-based real estate development and investment firm focused on residential, mixed-use, and hospitality-driven communities. The firm creates thoughtfully designed projects rooted in quality, placemaking, and long-term value. Its work emphasizes strong partnerships and a focus on how people live, gather, and connect within the built environment. Current developments include The Canopy in Virginia Beach’s Hilltop district, a mixed-use community combining luxury residences with curated retail and lifestyle offerings.

About The Canopy

The Canopy is a mixed-use development by Franklin Group located in Virginia Beach, VA., offering 132 multifamily residences and 20,000 square feet of curated retail space. Designed around the principle that environment shapes experience, The Canopy brings together best-in-class living and a thoughtfully selected retail environment. For more information, visit https://canopyvabeach.com.

Contact: 

Erin Ruane

Vice President of Marketing

eruane@fgcompanies.com